Agliè: Ducal Castle and Walking Routes

If you choose Agliè as your destination, you can plan your trip around cultural history, architecture or walks. Highlights include the Ducal Castle, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Massimo, Villa Il Meleto and several local walking routes. The sites differ in their historical connections; for the routes, the approximate times provide a guide for planning your day.

The Ducal Castle and its building history

The Castello Ducale di Agliè is one of the residences of the House of Savoy and is designated as a museum in its own right. It was built in 1141 and was demolished and rebuilt several times over the years. For your cultural itinerary, its status as a residence of the House of Savoy comes together with a building history marked by repeated demolitions and reconstructions. The Castello is therefore a destination in its own right, alongside the churches and sites associated with the poet Guido Gozzano.

Church and literary heritage

The present-day building of the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Massimo dates from 1773 and is the work of Ignazio Birago of Borgaro. Its floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross; the longest arm forms the nave, the main longitudinal section of the church interior. The building date and floor plan thus offer two specific aspects to consider when visiting the church.

Villa Il Meleto is a 19th-century villa at the foot of Macugnano Hill, about one kilometre from Agliè. It was the summer residence of the poet Guido Gozzano (1883–1916). The villa’s present appearance dates from a restoration commissioned by Gozzano in 1904. Gozzano admired French Art Nouveau. Villa Il Meleto is accessible by car and has parking.

Walking routes by duration and focus

The “Giro del Parco” circular route is three kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half. It passes through Piazza Castello, Viale don Feliciano Notario (“la rampa”), Esedra, Cascina “la Mandria”, Cascine Gozzani and Ponte “del Diavolo”. Other stops include Strada Provinciale per Cuceglio, Piazza Massimo Mautino and Via Principe Tommaso. A variant leading to Laghetto della Gerbola extends the route by one kilometre and about 30 minutes.

The “Rione di San Gaudenzio” circular route is two kilometres long and takes about an hour. Stops include Via Molini, Via BLumer or Via Setificio, Setificio Barberis, Via Camillo Olivetti and Via Giuseppe Frua. The route also leads to the 14th-century Chiesa di San Gaudenzio and the cemetery, then follows Via poeta Guido Gozzano and Piazza Umberto I before reaching the arcades of Via Principe Tommaso. The former “Stabilimento Olivetti” is also on the route.

The full “Villa Meleto” circular route covers five kilometres and takes about two and a half hours. From Piazza Castello, it follows Via Principe Tommaso, Via Principe Amedeo and Via Meleto to the 19th-century Villa Meleto. The route also includes Laghetto del Meleto, with its island and landing stage, Cascine Ruggie and Strada Provinciale per Cuceglio. From Piazza Massimo Mautino, it continues to the arcades of Via Principe Tommaso. In terms of duration, the Rione di San Gaudenzio takes about an hour, followed by the Giro del Parco at around an hour and a half; the full Villa Meleto route is the longest of the three, at about two and a half hours.

Guided tours and bicycle rental

The Ufficio turistico di Agliè offers a guided tour of the town, focusing on monuments and particularly picturesque spots. As dates and availability may vary, it is best to check the current schedule in advance. The Ufficio Turistico di Agliè also offers bicycle rental.

Discover more destinations: Caluso, Nole, Collegno, Riva presso Chieri, Buttigliera Alta, Bruzolo, Cumiana, Venaria Reale

For the main travel overview: Turin.